Research Fellow in Microfluidics for Bioprocess Formulation

About us

UCL Biochemical Engineering (UCL-BE) is a world leader in bioprocessing, where researchers harness cutting-edge facilities and industry partnerships to transform breakthroughs in biology into sustainable real-world innovations, and where exciting careers are launched. Lonza have been at the forefront of therapeutic protein manufacture in mammalian cells since the early 1980s and are one of the world’s largest healthcare manufacturing organisations. We seek highly motivated researchers to form a team to bring a new bioprocess optimisation paradigm of autonomous navigation into being.

About the role

Next generation biopharmaceuticals are increasingly complex, making them more potent but harder to produce. Bringing such discoveries to patients requires careful evaluation and optimisation of manufacturing. We have identified an opportunity to combine continuous microfluidic (µF) process models, process analytical techn ology (PAT) and machine learning (ML) to achieve a paradigm shift in bioprocess optimisation across modalities and throughout the process. We will realise three prototypes for (i) protein aggregation (safety), (ii) protein refolding (therapeutic activity), and (iii) culture medium optimisation (cost-effectiveness). Expected benefits include shorter time to clinic, better access to life-saving medicines, and enhanced sustainability. The project is co-led by UCL-BE and Lonza, and funded for three years. This is one of three Research Fellow positions of the Lonza UCL PP team. The postholder, based in UCL-BE, will undertake original experimental research, develop and rigorously characterise all elements of the microfluidics technology theme, whilst collaborating on the other two themes (PAT, ML). A success criterion will be the realisation of the three prototypes, achieved in close collaboration with Lonza experts. The role also involves ownership of scientific communication outputs, in cluding reports, operation protocols, presentations, and archival journal publications, delivered to high professional and academic standards. The post is funded for 24 months in the first instance.

About you

You are a microfluidics enthusiast with a passion to bridge physics/engineering with life sciences, and a desire to apply that passion to industrial challenges. You enjoy team-based problem solving and being an ambassador for your team, presenting your work in engaging ways to technical audiences and the wider public. You hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. engineering, biotechnology, natural sciences), or related disciplines, and ideally possess experience in one or more of the following areas: microfluidics, microfabrication, system integration, and life sciences. There will be a high degree of interaction with UCL colleagues and Lonza, thus excellent teamwork and communication skills are required. For informal enquiries, please contact Prof Nicolas Szi ta at

What we offer

We also offer some great benefits, visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena Swan Gold award in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

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